Statistical slide rule



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K. R. WOOD STATISTICAL SLIDE RULE Jan. 13, 1948.

Filed June 7, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Kemeffb Jil/wow Patented Jan. 13, 1948 OFFICE STATISTICAL SLIDE RULE Kenneth R. Wood, United States Army, Fort Dix, N. J.

Application June 7, 1944, Serial No. 539,167

4 Claims. (Cl. 23S-61) (Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to a calculator and one of the objects thereof is to provide a device of this character adapted to facilitate computation of a measure frequently used in statistics.

Another object of the invention is to provide a calculating device in the form of a slide rule for computation of the standard error of the difference between two proportions.

Heretofore the most modern calculators required up to six operations and recordings in the computation of statistics thereby making the calculators complicated in operation and expensive to manufacture.

It is therefore the aim and purpose of this invention to provide a calculator which is light in weight, simple in construction, readily manipulated in computing various statistics and not liable to get out of order.

With the above and other objects and advantages in view the invention consists of certain features of construction and operation of parts which will hereinafter be described and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the improved device containing a base having two slides mounted thereon, with a permanent scale provided on one of the slides and a permanent scale and graph provided on the other slide and including means for receiving removable scale members adapted to cover the permanent scales on the slides;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the left-hand portion of the base;

Figure 3 is another top plan view similar to Figure l with the slides having been actuated on the base to calculate the standard error of the difference between two proportions;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken on line 5--5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a top plan view showing the removable scale members mounted on the slides for covering up the permanent scales and providing other scales on the device in calculating when each of the two proportions of a problem are less or greater than a certain amount;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the slides having means for receiving a scale member and showing the scale member removed therefrom;

- Figure 81s a perspective view of the other slide A2 and showing its scale member removed etherefrom;

Figure 9 is a rectangular shaped outline laid out in thirtieths of an inch and on which a scale and graphs used in carrying out the invention are adapted to be plotted;

Figure 10 is a similar view illustrating the manner of plotting the scale in thirtieths of an inch upwardly along a vertical edge of the outline;

Figure 11 is a View similar to Figure 10 and illustrating the manner of computing values for a line of the graph to be plotted on the outline;

Figure 12 is a view showing the graph plotted on the outline and illustrating convenient values therefor plotted infthirtieths of an inch;

Figure 13 is a View similar to Figure 12; and

Figure 14 is a functional diagram of the device, with the scales and lines of the graphs thereof aligned from left to right in a generalized problem, and with certain of the scales and certain lines of the graphs being given predetermined values.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the device comprises a stationary body portion or stock indicated generally by A and including a flat rectangular shaped base plate l having any suitable width and length and provided with dual parallel longitudinally extending lateral guides 2 and 3 having slides 4 and 5 movably mounted thereon, with the slide 5 being shorter in length and movably mounted on the slide 4. The guides 2 and 3 prevent displacement of the slides 4 and 5 while allowing longitudinal movement of the same with relation to each other and with the base plate l.

The slides 4 and 5 carry on their left vertical edges identical scales P1 and P2, respectively, which scales P1 and P2 are graduated in different divisions representing certain values for computation of the standard of error of the difference between two proportions and in the present instance the divisions are marked off in vertically arranged numbers running upwardly from the values of .05.95 to .50.50.

The scale P1 on slide 4' is adapted to coact with a graph N1 provided on the left end portion of the base plate l between the guides 2 and 3 and the scale P2 on slide 5 is adapted to coact with a graph N2 provided on slide 4 adjacent to the right of its scale P1.

The graphs N1 and N2 are identical, each being triangular shaped and consisting of a pattern of straight lines B which radiate upwardly in varying spaced relation and toward the left from common points 'I on the base plate I and slide 4 to aligned horizontal lines 8 and 8 provided on the base plate I and lower slide 4 respectively adjacent to the inner longitudinal edge of the guide 2. The horizontal line 8 on the base I is in alignment with the upper division representing the value .50.50 of scale P1 and the upper division representing the value .50.50 of scale P2 on upper slide 5 is in line with the horizontal line 8 on slide 4.

The straight lines 6 of the graphs N1 and N2 which connect with the horizontal lines 8 and 8 on base plate I and slide 4, respectively, in varying spaced relation are numbered with certain other values in computing the standard error of the difference between two proportions and in the present case the lines are numbered to represent values beginning with the value of 100 at the extreme left of the lines 8 and 8 of the graps N1 and N2 and increasing in magnitude to a value oi 500 to the right of these lines.

An answer scale designated by the Greek letter sigma as fr is inscribed on the inner longitudinal edge of the guide 2, said scale 1r having divisions decreasing in spaced relation from the left of' the slide 2 toward the right and numbered to represent values in determining the standard error of the diierence between two proportions beginning with the value of .070 of the rst division at the left and decreasing in magnitude to .000 at the last division at the right.

A formula 9 is inscribed on the slide 2 for ready reference for the computation of the standard error of the difference between two proportions.

A nearer answer scale designated by a' is inscribed on the inner longitudinal edge of the guide 3, which scale a' has divisions decreasing in spaced relation from left to right and numbered to represent values beginning with the value .040 at the left of guide 3 and decreasing in magnitude to .000 at the right thereof. The scale a is only to be used in connection with scales P1' and P2' carried on removable tabs I0 and II, respectively, as illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive.

The tabs I and II are substantially rectangular in shape having a length and width to cover the scales P1 and P2 on slides 4 and 5 and are provided with keystone shaped portions l2 and I2', respectively, on one vertical side edge thereof, which portions I2 and I2 of the tabs are adapted to be removably inserted in grooves I3 and I3', respectively, formed by tab retaining elements I4 provided on the slides.

The tab retaining elements I4 are vertically arranged in spaced formation adjacent to the right of the scales P1 and Pz on slides 4 and 5, with the inner ends of the elements I4 being beveled to provide grooves I3 and I3' with a shape conforming to the keystone shape tab portions I2 and I2'. The left vertical edges of tabs I0 and II when the tabs are removably mounted on the slides 4 and 5 are flush with the left vertical edges of the slides and the scales P1 and P2 are inscribed on the tabs with the dimensions of these scales being numbered in values beginning with the value of .01.99 and increasing in magnitude upwardly to the value .10.90. The various graduations and markings on the scales referred to above are simply illustrations and are not intended in any way to limit the extent and kinds of markings or indications that may be provided on the device in carrying out the invention.

For the purpose of enabling a person to actuate the slides 4 and 5 in the guides 2 and 3 to cause the various scales on the device to coact with each other in computing the standard error of the difference between two proportions, nger engaging means in the form of buttons I5 and I5' aresecured to the opposite ends of the slides 4 and 5, respectively, from the scales P1 and P2.

In plotting the various values of the different scales and lines of the graph the following steps are taken:

I. First a rectangular shaped outline of the N1 graph ls made as illustrated in Fig. 9, which outline has dimensions of /30 inches by 50/30 inches.

II. Compute P1(1-P1) for convenient values of P1 as follows:

P1 l-Pl P10-P1) P1 ranges from .00 1.00 .00 P1(1-P|) ranges .00 to 1.00. .l0 .90 .09 from .00 to .25 or .2o .so .16 fromcttoto. .so .1o .21 .4o .so .24 .5o .50 .25 .so .4o .24 .10 .so .21 .so .20 .16 .90 .10 .09 1.00 .oo .o0

III. Plot values of P1(1-P1) up of rectangle used as N1 graph.

right hand edge Thus 50/30 inches represents .25 range in value of P1(1-P1). The values are as follows:

P1 Piu-P haar 00 or 1. 00 00X200= 0 10 or 90 09X200= 18 20 o1' 80 16X200= 32 30 O1' 70 21 X200= 42 40 or 60 24X`00= 48 50 25X20U= 50 A demonstration of the above plotting is illustrated in Fig. 10. While values of P1(1-P1) are plotted, only corresponding P1 values are shown in iinal scale.

IV. Assuming that P1=.50 compute values of P10-P1) N1 for convenient values of N1 and plot these values as shown below from right to left along upper edge of rectangle as illustrated in Fig. 11:

Working on .50 vertical line for convenient values of N1 and plot these values from right to left along a line parallel to upper and lower edges of the rectangle for N1 graph as illustrated in Fig. 12 with the line passing through a point representing .10 on vertical P1 VI. Referring to Fig. 13, a straight line is then drawn through two points representing N1=500 (one on top margin of rectangle of N1 graph and one on parallel line through P1=.10 in Fig. 12) and lower right hand corner of rectangle.

and various values of P1 that all such points will lie on the above described straight line. Similarly, points for various values of P1 and any constant value of N1 will lie on a certain straight line which can be determined by the plotting procedure outlined above and which will pass through the corner of the rectangle as shown in Fig. 13.

VII, General derivation of lines on N1 graph.

A. Purpose of N1 graph in conjunction with P1 scale is- Given P1 and N1 to compute I-)l-(ll B. Let

X=P- -1(1AP 1); let Y=P.(1-P.1

C. Then X=Y/N1 or Y=N1X, equation of a straight line with slope N1, and passing through point (0,0) selected for convenience in construction of rule, as lower right hand of rectangular 4 Ni graph.

D. In converting above values to measurements in thirtieths of an inch for scale of the size used- X aetuauy was `40,000 liu-5) (Steps IV and V in construction of N1 graph.)

Y actually was 200 P-P1) (Step III in construction of N1 graph.)

where X and Y are measurements in thirtieths of an inch.

E. Thus, final the equation NIX Y"200' might be used in plotting the lines of the N1 graph.

For example- F. Let N1 be 200. Then Y--X 0I Y-X equation of a line with slope of one, and passing through (0,0), as is actually the case with the line representing N1=200 on the N1 graph shown particularly in Figs. 1 and 3.

6 G. Or let N1= 100. Then =%;X or Y: X/2

equation, of a line with slope of one-half and passing through the point (0,0) as is the case with the line representing N1=100 on the N1 graph of Figs. 1 and 3.

H. Procedure in construction of N2 graph is identical with the above procedure in constructing N1 graph.

The answer scale is designated by m1-P2 or in short S. E. the standard error of the difference between two proportions. There are, however, other standard errors not to be confused with that disclosed here.

Answer scale r=S. E. scale and is constructed as follows:

I. Square convenient values in the range of expected answers. Multiply by 40,000 the number used as a multiplier in construction of N1 and N2 graphs as illustrated below:

standard error scale 221 thirtieths of an inch to the right of left vertical edge of N1 graph and on a separate line or scale above or beyond the N1 and N2 graphs.

III. Measuring from right to left from starting point, plot the distances computed and give corresponding S. E. Values as labels.

Referring to Fig. 14 which shows a functional diagram of the slide rule embodying the abovedescribed scales and graphs, with the scales and lines 8 and 8 of the graphs aligned from left to right as in a generalized problem and the scales P1P?. N1 and N2 being given certain values.

The following formula is used in determining the standard error S. E. of the difference between two proportions with all quantities and measurements being in thirtieths of an inch.

As in VII D, general derivation of N scale.

Since standard error to be computed =\/P. 1-P0+P2 1P2 Xl X2 (S E')2 4.0,000+40,0o0

or X1+X2=40,000 (S. EQ2 as in Fig. 14

P1 .30 P2 .80 N1 20Q N2 300 P1-P2 Standard error .Proportion Correct Anammo samples) which possess the attribute yof central interest in the experiment. These two proportions are indicated as P1 and P2, being expressed as decimal fractions between 0.0 and 1.0 in va-lue.

Example of datarequir'ed:

Towns A B Population 1000=1V1 500=N2 i lProportion llliterate .02= P1 .03= P2 Formula for computation .of S. E. the standard error of the difference between .two proportions.

Using the data in the above example- Jtomnlozutoeni- Qai :V .0000778=.0088 or .009 approx.

i The operation of the slide rule to solve a problem is as follows;

A. Assumed data:

Successful answers .to an Army test question College Group High School Group Number in Group 200=N1 150=Nz swers .95:11 or P1 .90=P2 or P2' B. First calculation of the standard error of the diierence between two proportions using the permanent P1 and P2 scales andthe answer scale 1r.

1. See that the .tabs Iii and Il carrying the scales P1 and P2 Yare removed from the rule.

2. Move slide 4 in 'guides 2 and 3 by means of the button l5 until .95 (and :05) on P1 scale are superimposed directly over the line D of N1 scale.

3. Move slide 5 in guides 2 and 3 by means of the button I5 until .90 (and .10) on P2 scale is superimposed directly over the line |50 of the N2 scale.

4. Read answer standard error=.029 from answer scale a directly in line with the vertical edge of the Pz scale.

C. When each of thetwo proportions of a problem is less than .10 or greater than .90 a further calculation may be had in the following manner:

1. The tabs lil and ll carrying the scales P1 and P2 are mounted on the slides 4 and 5 by means of their keystone shaped portions l2 and I2 engaging in the grooves I3 and I3 formed by the tab retaining elements 14, with the tabs I0 and .Il covering up the scales P1 and Pzo'n the slides 4 and 5, respectively, and substituting the scales 4P1 and P2' therefor.

2. Move slide 4 in guides 2 and 3 by means of its button l5 thus .moving the scale P1 laterally until .95 (and .05) is superimposed directly over the line 2&0 of the N1 scale.

3. Move slide 5 in guides 2 and 3 by :means of its button I 5 thus moving the scale P2' laterally until .90 (and .10) on P2 scale are superimposed directly over the line 15E! ofthe N2 scale.

4. Read answer .029, the standard error of the difference between the two proportions from the division of the nearer expanded answer scale a directly inline with the vertical edge of the P2 scale.

The answer scale'a is only used when the tabs ID and il carrying the P1' and P2 scales have vbeen mounted on the slides 4 and 5 over the P1 and Pz scales when each of the two proportions are less than .l0 or greater than .90 thus greater accuracy is permitted lby this arrangement under these circumstances.

It will thus be seen that there has herein been provided a novel and eflicient form of calculator in the form of a slide rule which is well adapted for the purpose intended. Even though there has herein been shown the device as comprising certain features of construction and operation of parts it is nevertheless to be understood that various changes may be made `therein if thechanges do not depart from the spirit or scope of the claims. 1

Having .thus described my invention. what I claim as new and wish to secure by Letters Patent 1s:

1. A device of the character described including a base having guides thereon, superimposed slides mounted for movement relative to each other in said guides, a pair of tab retaining elements mounted on .said slides adjacent to one end of each thereof, each pair of said tab retaining elements vertically arranged in spaced formation, the inner adjacent ends of said pairs of tab retaining elements beveled and providing grooves, an answer scale on said guides, a graph onone of said slides, a graph on said base, substantially rectangular shaped tabs including'keystone-shaped portions, Yand supplementary vertical scales provided on said tabs, said keystone-shaped portions of said 4tabs adapted to be inserted in said grooves formed by said spaced beveled inner ends of said tab retaining elements, whereby said tabs having said supplementary vertical scales thereon may be removably mounted on vertical edges of said slides.

2. A device of the character .described including a base having guides thereon, superimposed slides mounted for movement relative to each Aformed bysaid spaced beveled inner ends r`of said tab retaining elementS,-Whereby saidtabs'havlng said supplementary vertical scales thereon may be removably mounted on said slides.

3. A device of the character described including a base having guides thereon, an answer scale on said guides, a graph on said base between said guides, said graph representing certain values in a mathematical problem to be computed, lower and upper superimposed slides mounted for movement relative to said answer scale and to each other in said guides, said lower slide adapted to move over said graph, a pair of tab retaining elements mounted on each of said slides adjacent to one end thereof, each pair of said tab retaining elements vertically arranged in spaced formation, the inner spaced ends of said pairs of tab retaining elements beveled and providing grooves, substantially rectangular shaped tabs including keystone-shaped tongues identical scales provided on said tabs and representing certain other Values of a mathematical problem, one of each of said keystone-shaped tongues of said tabs adapted to be inserted in one of each of said grooves formed by said beveled inner ends of said tab retaining elements, whereby said tabs having said identical scales thereon may be removably mounted on one end of each of said slides, and another graph provided on said lower slide, said last-mentioned graph being identical with said first-mentioned graph, said upper slide adapted to move over said second-mentioned graph on said lower slide whereby, upon movement of said lower slide to diierent positions over said graph on said base and movement of said upper slide to different positions over said graph on said lower slide, said identical scales on said slides may be combined with said graphs in computing answers to mathematical problems, which answers may be read on said answer scale.

4. A device of the character described including` a base having longitudinally extending guides thereon with an answer scale consisting of a row of symbols delineated lengthwise on one of said guides and decreasing in magnitude to the right, said row of symbols representing answer values of mathematical problems, a graph inscribed on said base between said guides, said graph consisting of a line of longitudinally extending symbols adjacent to and extending parallel to said row of answer scale symbols, and a plurality of lines joined together at one end and extending upwardly and outwardly in Varying spaced relation to said line of graph symbols, said line of graph symbols increasing in magnitude to the right and repl the spaced inner ends of said pairs of tab retaining elements beveled and providing grooves adiacent to the vertical edges of said slides, substantially rectangular shaped tabs including keystoneshaped tongues, identical vertically arranged scales provided on said tabs, said keystone-shaped tongues of said tabs adapted to be inserted in said grooves formed by said spaced lbeveled inner ends of said tab retaining elements, whereby said tabs having said identical scales thereon may be removably mounted on said slides adjacent to one end of each thereof, said identical scales each consisting of a plurality of divisions and symbols designating mathematical values of said divisions and increasing vertically upwardly in magnitude and a graph inscribed on said lower slide, said upper slide adapted to move laterally over said lastmentioned graph on said lower slide, said graph on said lower slide being identical to said firstmentioned graph on said base and including a line of mathematical symbols delineated lengthwise of said lower slide and in alignment with said line of symbols of said rst-mentioned graph, whereby under endwise movement of said lower slide to diierent positions over said rst-mentioned graph on said base and endwise movement of said upper slide to different positions over said graph on the lower slide, the divisions designated by said symbols of said identical vertically arranged scales on said slides may be combined with said first-mentioned graph on said base and said graph on said lower slide in computing answers to mathematical problems, which answers are indicated on said answer scale.

KENNETH R. WOOD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

FOREIGN PATENTS v Number Country Date 306,349 Germany June 1, 1920 

